Motown’s Greatest Hits at the New Alexandra Theatre Review
Motown’s Greatest Hits
How Sweet It Is
New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham
31 July 2015
Reviewed by Hayley Willis
I went along to the New Alexandra Theatre in Birmingham to see Motown’s Greatest Hits – How Sweet It Is. I’ve visited the theatre on several occasions before, but this was the first visit since the recent refurbishment. The staff at the box office were very friendly and helpful and were happy to tell us about the upcoming events at the theatre. We enjoyed a visit to the champagne bar where a pianist played well known songs from musical theatre before we took our seats for the show.
If you love Soul, Motown and lots of audience participation, this is the show for you! For two hours a 5 part vocal group supported by a live band featuring a very talented female drummer performed some of Motown’s best known songs and hits from the 60s & 70s. Performing hits from artists like Luther Vandross, The Jackson, Lionel Richie and The Temptations, the group kept everyone entertained with energetic dance routines and a great rapport with the audience. They each took a turn to sing lead vocals and all five had great voices that really complimented each other and blended together wonderfully. It was such a feel good show, within minutes people were up and dancing, it was a real party atmosphere and there were even a few hen parties in the audience! They performed hit after hit and by the end of the show nobody was sitting down. I have never seen everybody up and dancing in the aisles of a theatre! They finished the show with Love Train by the O’Jays to thunderous applause and left everyone wanting more.
The Alexandra Theatre is just a short walk from Birmingham New Street Station and The Bullring shopping centre where there are many different eateries to suit all budgets. For those travelling by car, there are plenty of inexpensive carparks around. My only criticism would be the lack of ladies toilets which is a common problem at most theatres. People were having to queue for the entire duration of the interval.
A great evening, I was sad when the show was over.
Rating: 5/5 
For more information about Motown’s Greatest Hits – How Sweet It Is and tour dates visit www.howsweet.co.uk.
For shows at the New Alexandra Theatre in Birmingham visit www.atgtickets.com/birmingham.
New Alexandra Theatre, Suffolk Queensway, Birmingham, West Midlands, B5 4DS
